2010 Audi Q5

2010 Audi Q5 Car Review by Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®

A beautiful ibis white Audi Q5 was delivered for a week of test driving.  I couldn’t wait to take it through my weekly schedule which included everyone’s usual trips but also included taking it to a few family events, drive thru’s and even grocery shopping to really see how the Q5 held up as a family use vehicle.

The 3.2L all-wheel drive Audi was not disappointing at all.  As a matter of fact, I was looking for negative things to say about this crossover and couldn’t find too much.  I even asked a few friends to take a look and drive and there were only three things we could complain about – and that makes the Q5 a leader in the luxury CUV class.

Here’s an overview of the car I was as delivered:

• Audi Q5 3.2 Premium quattro
• 270hp @ 6500 rpm
/ 243 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm  EQUALS: 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds.
• Tiptronic fast-shifting six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode.
• Navigation with real-time SIRIUS traffic information.

➢    Plus of 3D navigation, joystick control for navigation map destination
➢    HDD-based Navigation system with real-time traffic info
➢    Voice-based destination voice inputs such as “I’m hungry,” “I need money,” “I need gas” and “I need coffee” that will point to closest options within current vicinity.

•  Safety – IIHS “Top Safety Pick” signifying top front/side/rear crash ratings, as well as five star NHTSA front and side ratings.
• EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city / 20 mpg combined.
• 4,400 pound towing capacity
• Audi drive select option (unique to segment) helps the driver customize engine/throttle mapping, transmission shift characteristics, steering, and suspension.
• 3-zone climate control
• Standard 12-way power front seats with leather seating surfaces throughout.
• Standard rear reclining / sliding seats – unique.
• 40/60 split rear seats fold from levers located inside rear cargo area.
• Superior interior storage spaces, including 1 liter bottle holders in each door.
• Automatic open and close rear trunk lid opening allows low and wide rear cargo entry
• Electronic dipstick allows customers to check the oil from inside the cabin.

The Q5
is based on the current Audi A4 platform with very sporty proportions and muscular stance due to long wheelbase and wide body.  The Q5, following the typical Audi interior design, is modern and sophisticated, designed with clear attention to detail. The standard 18” wheels (235/60 all-season tires), with full body monochromatic paint, the LED taillights, and aluminum exterior trim really made the Q5 stand out on the street.  I even had a few people ask me what I was driving and if I liked it.  I think you already know my answer— I do like this vehicle.
Driving around town -
 The ride and handling were really pleasing as most CUV’s are a truckier ride. The adaptive suspension bended with the dynamic steering, the smooth transmission shifts and quick engine response makes this an enjoyable daily driver.  I tried all four operating modes: comfort, automatic, dynamic, and individual, allowed me to customize the response of the shift points and the throttle.

Innovations and available features

• Multi Media operating logic standard (with central display screen)
• Audi side assist blind spot protection
• Dynamic ESP configuration (on road, off road, and roof cargo configurations)
• Power tailgate
• Audi Intelligent Key – stores service information in the key
• Audi advanced key keyless entry and starting
• Audi music interface – world renowned iPod connectivity
with my personal favorite

➢    Bang & Olufsen 505W 14-speaker sound system
➢    Bluetooth hands-free telephone interface

• Mercury-free Audi xenon plus headlamps with LED daytime running lights
• LED tail lamps
• Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera
• Thermo heated/cooled cup holders

Even the price is a pleasant surprise based on what you are getting for your money.  Price starts at $37,200 and my test drive cars had the Premium Plus package which includes heated front seats.  Additionally the Audi Navigation Plus Package and Audi Drive Select bring the test drive Q5 to $48,275.

Why I’m a Huge Fan of Audi’s Clean Diesel (TDI):

• TDI is Audi’s highly developed, advanced technology diesel engine, with sophisticated fuel injection systems and exhaust that is cleaner than gasoline engines.
• Audi is reinventing the SUV with its Q5 TDI. The Q5 TDI offers over 600 miles of highway driving range—far more than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.
• When you press the gas pedal in Audi’s Q5 TDI, you’ll feel more torque than in the fastest gasoline-powered sports cars, and you can haul anything too.

Why Clean Diesel?

• The EPA estimates that if one-third of all U.S. passenger cars were diesel powered, the country would save 1.4 million barrels of petroleum per day—the amount we import daily from Saudi Arabia.
• Clean diesel is not an exotic alternative fuel but one that’s available here and now, giving Americans the performance and towing capacity they want with 20-40% greater fuel efficiency.
• Clean diesel is the future; JD Power predicts the number of diesel vehicles in the U.S. will triple by 2015.
• The cost of diesel fuel is now less than super unleaded and in many cities costs less than any pump gasoline.

Pros:
1.    Navigation and Multi Media Center
2.    Auto lift gate
3.    Powerful engine and torque
4.    Great brakes
5.    Handles like a sports car
6.    Excellent Turning radius
7.    Backup camera and sensors
8.    Love the glass roof and shade
9.    Plenty of cup holders
10.    LED head and tail lights
11.    Comfortable seats
12.    Great visibility
13.    Impressive safety features
14.    Blind spot detection in side mirrors.
15.    Interior detail is classy and polished
16.    Well designed and detailed

Cons:

1.    Side mirrors are too large and block the view from the side windows.
2.    Need more power outlets – especially in the rear seat area.
3.    Bag hooks in the rear area
The Q5 competes with the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2 HSE, previous generation Lexus RX350, Mercedes Benz GLK350, and the Volvo XC60.

More information at www.audiusa.com or your local Audi dealer.